Which style is noted for its use of small melodic cells and repetition with minimal variation, often considered a late 20th-century approach?

• A. Minimalism
• B. Blues
• C. Bossa Nova
• D. Impressionist Music

Answer: (A)

Small melodic cells repeated with minimal variation define minimalism. This late-20th-century approach builds texture through looping motifs, layering, and gradual change rather than through broad thematic development. A steady pulse often underpins these patterns, while harmony or timbre shifts come in slowly, creating a hypnotic, evolving surface from simple building blocks. Think of composers like Steve Reich and Philip Glass, who popularized loops, repetition, and phased patterns. In contrast, blues centers on a fixed 12-bar form and expressive improvisation around a blues scale; Bossa Nova emphasizes smooth, syncopated rhythms and jazzy harmony; Impressionist music prioritizes color, atmosphere, and delicate timbres over repetitive cell-based structures. The description points to minimalism.